I prefer taking my road trip car as it is more suitable for travel (especially if the way to a checkpoint is on unpaved or rough roads--it has upgraded brakes, all-terrain tires, slight lift, etc.), but I'll never win on points by doing that. And, gas mileage sucks.
In 2022, I used the spare car and had only two issues on the Great River Road rally (one was a tree branch wedged in the rear suspension that rubbed on the tire, and the other a check engine light from a fouled O2 sensor), and at least with that car, I could get a couple more points as it's currently 20 model years old...but still too "reliable" to ever get enough points to win anything.
Basically saying here, bring whatever you want to drive (getting extra points for hooptieness, and whatever you feel comfortable taking over long distances in rural areas), and enjoy the route.
I don't have a competitive bone in my body (except with Mario Kart), so I don't care if I ever come close to winning. As long as my points are counted and I'm in the middle of the pack, it's all good. A full day is probably 10-12 hours. Get anything you need on the road (especially food) when passing through larger cities, as once you're out in rural stretches, the food is usually awful (fast food, etc.).
I also found it's not worth beating myself up over checkpoints. I try to hit all of them but, as I had an issue with a couple checkpoints in a row last year, I ended up skipping two that followed since I was losing time and getting a bit cheesed off. If things get frustrating, take a breath, relax, and remind yourself you are in this for fun.
Finally, take a hint from those of us who are into the history side of it--take the time to read up on the checkpoints, even after you've completed the rally. Like Eric says, there are some places I have returned to from past rallies (especially the Rocky Mountain rallies*), and I have a growing list of places I want to return to. These rallies make you appreciate the two-lane roads that form the web of this country's network of US, state, and county roads that we overlook when traveling the Interstate Highway System.
Don't fret the details! Bring what you need (clothing, food and water, tools, navigation aids), and show up. Whatever you don't get at the driver's meeting, you'll get from new acquaintances you make during the rally.
One final note/warning: Virginia is notorious for strictly enforcing traffic laws. Lemons Rally rules already mention obeying traffic laws (and please do--it is NOT a race!), but I'd be extra careful traveling through the state.
* One return trip I've done--last summer, we took the Cumbres & Toltec rail trip, taking a motor coach from Alamosa CO to Chama NM, then returned via steam train. C&T was a checkpoint on the 2022 rally.
--Rudy
Driver of soul-sucking appliances in the Rust Belt.
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